Volvo C70 (2010 – 2013) Review

Volvo C70 (2010 – 2013) At A Glance

3/5

+Refined open-top cruiser with a metal folding roof. Classy interior design. Sharper looks after 2010 facelift. Strong diesel engines including D5.

-Steering lacks feel. Firm ride. Boot space difficult to get to with the roof down.

Insurance Groups are between 28–38
On average it achieves 94% of the official MPG figure

The C70 is arguably Volvo's most stylish and desirable model and it's easy to see why. It's a well built and comfortable convertible but rather than using a traditional fabric roof, it features a neat metal folding roof which means it's as comfortable in the winter with the roof up as it is in the summer, when you can enjoy open-air driving.

This 2010 Volvo C70 isn't strictly new, as you'll have guessed from the pictures - it's a facelifted version of the model that was first launched in 2006. The changes are most noticeable at the front, which now has a much sharper look with angular headlights giving the C70 a sleeker appearance overall.

It's not just the exterior that's been revised either in the Volvo C70, the interior has been subtly upgraded but retains the minimalist and clean design that's become a trademark of modern Volvos. This is certainly a model designed for relaxed cruising, rather than enthusiastic driving and that's quickly evident on the move. In corners it feels soft, yet ironically the ride can be too firm, which is most noticeable on poor quality roads, such as city streets.

It's not quite in the same league as the BMW 3 Series Convertible, but the Volvo C70 still has much to recommend it, including a good range of engines and a high quality, stylish interior.

Real MPG average for a Volvo C70 (2010 – 2013)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

94%

Real MPG

19–55 mpg

MPGs submitted

114

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

Satisfaction Index

Satisfaction Index What is your car like to live with?

We need your help with our latest Satisfaction Index, so that we can help others make a smarter car buying decision. What's it like to live with your car? Love it? Loath it? We want to know. Let us know about your car - it will only take a few minutes and you could be helping thousands of others.

Help us with the Honest John Satisfaction Index now

Ask Honest John

Can you name a convertible with a reasonable sized boot big enough to take an electric golf cart?

"Can you name a convertible with a reasonable sized boot big enough to take an electric golf cart?"
A Volvo C70 has a pretty big boot and will look the part in the golf club car park. Make sure the roof operates correctly, though. We've not heard of many issues but it's quite a complicated system.
Answered by Andrew Brady

At what age is a Volvo C70 likely to become unreliable?

"Two Years ago I bought a Volvo C70 D3 with 10,000 miles on the clock from an independent dealer with a full service history. I have been very happy with the car covering 14,000 miles a year and have had no real problems. My concern is how long it will continue to be a reliable vehicle, especially the very complex roof mechanism? "
This is a three piece roof and despite no reader complaints you are right to start worrying. Even Mercedes SLKs that started the trend are now failing regularly. I'd check for reliability with: http://www.bristolsunroofs.co.uk/ See: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/volvo/c70-2006/?section=good/ and http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/volvo/c70-2010/?section=good/
Answered by Honest John

Where's the oil dipstick on the Volvo C70?

"My girlfriend has recently inherited a 2011 Volvo C70 D3, but neither of us have been able to locate the oil dipstick. Does it exist on this model, or is it an electronic dipstick? "
As far as I know this has an engine oil dipstick and the top of it should be yellow. There is some confusion of the labelling of these engines because D3 and D4 could refer to both the Volvo 5-cylinder 2.0 diesel and the PSA/Ford 4 cylinder 2.0 diesel.The PSA/Ford definitely has a yellow topped engine oil dipstick.
Answered by Honest John

Buying a used convertible - Volvo C70?

"I am looking for a four-seater folding-hardtop convertible to replace my ageing Volvo S60. I am tempted to stay with Volvo and get myself a used C70, but there are mixed reviews. Is this a good buy? Or would you recommend something else? "
The Ford Focus based C70 was quite impressive. The Eos had a leak problem because the roof is composed of a lot of different pieces which makes it difficult to keep all the seals water-tight. BMW E93 3-Series coupe convertible best.
Answered by Honest John
More Questions